RHODESIA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 23 September 1911, Page 8

RHODESIA.

AVON DERUL DEVELOPS ENT. Sir Henry Scton-Karr, i.lic famous sportsman, lias contrilnited to tho “Daily Express” an excellent account of his impressions of Rhodesia, where lie has been enjoying a big game expedition. He has been struck with the wonderful development of the country. “Twenty years ago,” he writes, “Kimberley was the northern limit of civilisation. It was then a six months’ trek to roach the great Zambesi River and view its magnificent A’ictoria Falls, and more likely than not the adventurer in those days would have left his bones in the land of the Barotste or Mashakalumbwc tribes, who looked upon the white men as undesirable aliens to be summarily wiped out and disposed cf on airival.” Now a palatial steamer conveys the traveller from London to Capo Town in seventeen days, and four days later a “fairly up-to-date Pullman ■ express train” sets him down at Victoiia Falls. Now the development has la on fairly begun, Sir Henry has “come to the clear conclusion and genuine belief” that Rhodesia is a country of great possibilities, u ith a prosperous future, though at present it is “in the mere infancy of its agricultural and commercial growth.” '.lt has all the possibilities of a great stock courttry—luxuriance of vegetation, regularity of seasons, the clear, dry air of a table-land ‘IOOO feet or more above the sea, cheap native labour, and (‘great irrigation and artesian well possibilities.” The prevalent diseases of stock have been combatted “more or less ■successfully,” and by means of strict import regulations are under geed control. The dreaded>i “fly” is strictly limited in .its habitat and locality and Rhodesian farmers are not afraid of it. Sir. Henry believes that the country may prove; of • groat agricultural value, and since it produces magnificent fruit and vegetables it ought with the help of scientific/cultivation “to grow anything.”; The mining districts of Kimberley l arid- the Transvaal will provide a good market, and the promising country north of the Zambesi soon will he carrying a large population. Altogether the great limiter, who is careful to say that he has not a shilling invested in Rhodesia, though lie hopes to become more fortunate, is extremely enthusiastic over the new land of promise.